How Many Lives Were Lost in Recent Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza?

Synopsis
Recent Israeli airstrikes have claimed over 80 lives in Gaza, sparking outrage and concern. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with critical infrastructure severely damaged. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, urgent calls for aid resound. Explore the devastating impact of this ongoing conflict and the dire situation faced by residents in Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Over 80 Palestinians killed in recent airstrikes.
- Nasser Hospital reports heavy casualties.
- Gaza European Hospital out of service for cancer care.
- Israeli military operations resumed after a ceasefire.
- Urgent humanitarian aid needed as half a million face starvation.
Gaza, May 16 (NationPress) Over 80 Palestinians have lost their lives and many others have been injured due to Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza region, according to reports from Palestinian medical officials.
The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis confirmed that 54 individuals, including women and children, were killed during the bombardment of the southern city, as stated in a press release on Thursday.
Furthermore, as reported by Xinhua news agency, the Gaza European Hospital, the only facility offering medical follow-up care for cancer patients within the enclave, has been rendered inoperable due to the recent Israeli assaults.
The airstrikes have inflicted severe damage on critical infrastructure, including sewage systems, internal hospital departments, and roads leading to medical facilities, according to local health authorities.
In addition, medical sources informed Xinhua that 26 more individuals were killed in the airstrikes targeting Gaza City and surrounding regions in northern Gaza.
The military actions followed a warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, indicating that the Israeli military would enter Gaza “with full force” in the coming days to continue efforts against Hamas.
Israel had resumed extensive military operations in Gaza on March 18, concluding a two-month ceasefire.
Since then, approximately 2,876 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,800 injured, as per Gaza health officials.
The cumulative Palestinian death toll since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, has climbed to 53,010, according to officials on Thursday.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defence in Gaza, commented that Israel is employing a strategy of “reducing space and forcing residents to evacuate,” emphasizing that thousands have spent the night outdoors due to threats against schools and shelters.
Israeli forces have allegedly obstructed emergency teams from reaching victims while systematically dismantling Civil Defence infrastructure.
Since October 2023, the Israeli Army has launched a fierce offensive in the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of over 53,000 Palestinians, largely women and children.
A US-backed humanitarian organization plans to commence operations in Gaza by the end of May under an aid distribution initiative, but has urged Israel to permit the United Nations and other organizations to continue their deliveries to Palestinians until the plan is initiated.
No humanitarian support has reached Gaza since March 2, and a global hunger monitor has warned that half a million individuals are on the brink of starvation in Gaza.